The Expanding Light Retreat
We are a nonprofit organization that offers many public retreat programs—spiritual growth retreats, spiritual travels, and yoga trainings—based on the universal teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda, the world-renowned author of Autobiography of a Yogi. Our retreat center is situated within the 700 beautiful acres of Ananda Village, just outside Nevada City, California.
Guests from all parts of the world, and with many different spiritual perspectives, have visited here for almost 50 years, to learn more about the path of Kriya Yoga meditation, Ananda Yoga for physical and spiritual healing, and the contemporary application of Yogananda’s teachings to help people realize their true potential.
Our Essence and Energy
The Expanding Light Retreat is a place of high energy and serenity. Nestled in the heart of nature, our retreat center offers an oasis of calm amidst the demands of modern life.
Some people notice a wonderful energy as soon as they set foot on the grounds. Others find this energy slowly transforming them as their program proceeds. Some awaken one morning to find they are suddenly and deeply filled with joy. Once in a while someone recognizes the uplifting power of The Expanding Light only after they’ve left—and then realizes how much it meant to them.
But no matter when one recognizes the flow of joyful, peaceful energy that suffuses this place of pilgrimage, it is always present. It is always powerful. And it is always uplifting.
Ananda Village: Our Roots
Ananda Village, home of The Expanding Light, is an intentional community, with about 200 resident adults and children, situated amidst the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains in northern California, just outside of Nevada City. It is one of the most respected spiritual communities in the world. Ananda was founded in 1969 by Yogananda’s direct disciple, Swami Kriyananda, who passed away in 2013. Swami Kriyananda’s spiritual successor is Nayaswami Jyotish. He and his wife, Nayaswami Devi, serve as Ananda’s Spiritual Directors. You can attend live classes with them online or in person.
Members are disciples of Yogananda and students of Kriyananda: we are Kriya Yoga meditators and vegetarians, and represent many nationalities, races, and ages.
Ananda Worldwide: Our Global Family
Ananda is a global spiritual movement, based on the teachings of Paramhansa Yogananda, who showed how everyone can realize God in their daily lives as a tangible, loving reality.
With 6 communities and over 164 teaching centers and meditation groups, Ananda provides places of learning, spiritual support, and fellowship. Find Ananda Near You